has anyone clicked 'no' on their dc SFE form and dc then got full loan?

[passwordnotsecure]

We have an average combined wage. We have 2 dc at uni and we can't afford the 2 contributions we are supposed to make - only half. DS's mate's parents are minted but separated. The friend has put that he lives with his mum who has no income but doesn't need to work and he gets the full loan. Other friends have got the full loan too. Is this a thing people do - say they won't support dc on the form and then them get the full loan?

@Stopsnowing

It is absolutely crazy that parents are financially responsible for their children once they turn 18.

Jesus, that is such a depressing attitude. Being technically an adult does not mean they are fully fledged. Parents who refuse to help their children are putting them in such a precarious position. Many can't afford to go at all.

Of course I would support my children as long as I live but parents shouldn’t be legally financially responsible for them once they are adults.

I also find it ridiculous that parents are expected to fund something that an adult chooses to do, uni is not obligatory. Obviously I will help my DC out as much as I can and support them in whatever they want to do. However, financial support isn't possible for everyone and imo students shouldn't be expecting handouts. It is their degree which will benefit their career.

My mum couldn't afford to help after my dad left. I got a job (had worked since 15 anyway) saved, was careful with money and funded the whole thing.

To the OP, the system is the system and you can't get a higher loan. However, the responsibility for the shortfall should be at least shared with your DC. It is their future and personally I feel I gained a lot by having to take responsibility for it.

@Stopsnowing

Of course I would support my children as long as I live but parents shouldn’t be legally financially responsible for them once they are adults.

So how should someone who is in school until 18 and then goes to university support themselves when they go? They would struggle to earn enough whilst studying, and won't be able to build up sufficient savings before they go. Obviously there is no entitlement to go to university at all, but most parents want to support their children's choices, not limit them.

@passwordnotsecure

Thanks - I understand all that bit, but what happens if a parent clicks that they will not support their child at uni? Do they then get the full amount?

I worked in this area of funding. Proving you are estranged from your parents when you are not is extremely hard. The most likely situation that would arise from this is that the maintenance part of the loan is not paid at all until the student can prove he is truly estranged, in many cases this can take the best part of their first year at uni.

In a nutshell, although the student is an adult, the parent is expected to contribute even if they will not or no longer can.

@Wordlewobble hope you feel better soon

@Stopsnowing

Of course I would support my children as long as I live but parents shouldn’t be legally financially responsible for them once they are adults.

They're not legally required to help.

Plenty of parents can’t afford to make up the contributions.

I think best thing to do is be honest with DC ahead of time and help them plan. E.g can they get a part time job at college to save up, or take a gap year to save up? Most students will be able to work part time either during term time or more in the holidays.

Uni, and uni straight after college, is not obligatory there are other options, but if someone CHOOSES uni they need to figure that out with the parent.

Personally I think it’s shameful the government haven’t recalculated loans and expected parental contributions further after such drastic increases in living costs.

But if a parent can’t afford to contribute then they can’t afford it. As much as I’d love a magic money tree in my garden which I could pluck money off to give to DD unfortunately I’m not yet in possession of one.